Doodles and Coffee

I've spent a lot of time in coffee shops. Actually, I've probably spent more time in coffee shops in the last four years that you will ever spend in one for your entire lifetime (well, unless you happen to work in one).   It's gotten a bit addictive for me, I enjoy watching people come and go and trying to figure out their stories.   And seeing the same people practically living at the shop, both workers and customers,  I always wonder why those people always seem to be there too. (Heck, I often wondered why I was still there!)  

I wish I had started zendoodling when I started having to wait at coffee shops.  I tried knitting during that time but the light was always too sucky and atmosphere too uncomfortable for my liking.   Oh well.  I did get a lot of other work done. Thankfully, my days at that particular coffee shop for hours and hours are over.

Anyhow went to a (different) coffee shop yesterday and it was so packed with people; I love being in the middle of a crowded place and just feeling all the energy.  I only had about 20 minutes, so I decided to do a quick half mandala zendoodle while I was hanging out.  I now carry my pens and paper everywhere, just in case I have a few minutes to doodle.   I love this nice little set of artist pens, which was recommended by my friend Annie (who also inspired me to get hooked on doodling) they're quite affordable and this set has a nice variety of sizes.  I just use a relatively cheap tiny sketchbook that's always in my purse in case I have time to kill, but if I had a few more bucks to spend, I'd get one of these.

Anyhow, I'm finding it pretty fun, and I'm still developing my style in zendoodling.  But here's what came out yesterday.  I try not to get too hung up on perfection.  It's about just adding and adding little bits until it feels finished.  And trying to relax during the process.

All done!

Get yourself some pens and check out Pinterest for some ideas (if you're stuck) and start doodling.  See where it takes you.  And get some coffee to enjoy while you do it!